LOS ANGELES — Geosyntec Consultants' client, Playa Capital, recently received the 2006 Outstanding Stormwater Best Management Practice Implementation Project Award from the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA).

The award was given in recognition of the Playa Vista Stormwater Management Program and Freshwater Marsh system. Under the program, a freshwater wetlands system was designed and constructed to manage stormwater and urban runoff from a 1,000-acre commercial and residential development near Marina del Rey in Los Angeles and provide wildlife habitat. Over the last six years, Geosyntec has led the effort in development of the stormwater program, including a "treatment train" of innovative Best Management Practices (BMPs). Eric Strecker, P.E., Geosyntec Princiapl, led the initial efforts to develop the concept and assisted in designing the 26-acre Fresh Water Marsh system. The marsh system offers improved water quality to the Santa MonicaBay, fresh water cleansing to the Ballona Wetlands, as well as flood control, flow management, and a home to thousands of plants and trees as well as a large variety of wildlife.

CASQA is an association of stormwater quality management professionals focusing on California stormwater issues. CASQA assists the California State Water Resources Control Board and municipalities in implementing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater mandates of the Federal Clean Water Act. In addition, CASQA recommends objectives and procedures for stormwater discharges control programs.